Mt 18:1-5, 10, 12-14 Lost and Found

will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hillsand go in search of the stray?And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over itthan over the ninety-nine that did not stray.In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father

that one of these little ones be lost.

Get found.

This morning we awoke to the news that comedian Robin Williams has died. Known for being zany and outrageous, he was also known for kindness. Unfortunately, as the news reports, he also struggled with addiction and depression. Ultimately, it seems he took his life on Monday. How can this be?!Well, unfortunately it’s a story we here all too often.

If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray,

will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills

and go in search of the stray?

This is one of my favorite gospel passages. There is so much good stuff wrapped up in it! It foretells that we will go astray (He knows it will happen!) It says that we will be alone during that time (“one of them goes astray”.)If we’reare alone, then we’re probably scared, too. It says that other people will be inconvenienced(“leave the ninety-nine). It says it will be tumultuous for those involved (“in the hills”). And most beautifully it says, He will come get us (“go in search of the stray.”)

However there’s a catch. In order for this to work, we need to want to be found by Him. If when He comes looking for us we hide and deny His help, then we’re back on our own. Alone seeking refuge in something else.

God does not want us to be lost.

In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father

that one of these little ones be lost.”

Money does not buy you peace when you are lost. Having the Lord in your life brings you peace and security. You don’t have to pay for it; you don’t have to earn it. The Lord gives it freely, and you can have as much of it as you want.

Today I will say a prayer for Robin Williams, his family and anyone touched by him. I will also say a prayer for the lost sheep – it’s a big one. It’s all of us. But thankfully God is ready, willing and able to bring us home.

This meditation was written by Kim Elenez, wife, mother and media executive in Raleigh, NC. Kim converted to Catholicism in 2012.